Nati star Ricardo Rodriguez (31) talks exclusively to blue Sport about the bitter European Championship exit and his still unresolved future. He wants to continue playing football, but not at any price.
No time? blue Sport summarizes for you
- On the evening of the semi-final between Holland and England, national team star Ricardo Rodriguez looks back on the European Championships with blue Sport. "It's very bitter, because I had the feeling that we could achieve something big, something historic."
- Rodriguez is currently without a club. He would like to continue playing, he says, but not at any price. "I'll only sign for a club if everything fits. For me and my family."
- If this is not the case, he could well imagine staying at home and looking after his small family, the soon-to-be 32-year-old continues.
On Wednesday evening, 90 minutes before kick-off of the European Championship semi-final between Holland and England, national team defender Ricardo Rodriguez takes time out to talk to blue Sport. He is at home in Zurich with his partner of many years, Nicole, and their son Santiago, who will be three in December.
Ricardo Rodriguez, it only took a little and you would now be playing with your national team colleagues in the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund against Holland for a place in the final...
Ricardo Rodriguez: ... Do we have to talk about it? It's just bitter. We were the better team against England and came so close. It's a shame because I had the feeling that we could achieve something big, something historic.
What made you so confident?
Everything. Everything came together for us in those weeks. We had a great spirit and a great atmosphere in the group, we had an ideal mix of veterans and young players and we played some great football. We played a great game against Germany, we took Italy apart and we also had more chances against England.
You personally also played an outstanding tournament, making virtually no mistakes in all five games. The European Championship in Germany was your sixth final tournament. Was it your best tournament personally?
I don't want to judge that, but it went very well.
You have 120 international caps and are now the Swiss record player at finals with 26 games. Was the Nati in Germany the best Nati since you've been there?
Yes, I would say that it was the best team. Although we were also very strong at the 2014 World Cup, when we were unfortunately knocked out in the round of 16 against Argentina. Incidentally, that was the best tournament for me personally so far. It was my first and it was in Brazil - we also played some really good football back then.
Could this European Championship be your last final?
Who knows for sure? Maybe. I'll be 32 in August, so maybe that's why I feel so bitter about the elimination, because I'm aware that it could have been my last tournament.
Did you just announce your retirement from the national team?
Certainly not.
You are currently without a club. Are you worried about that?
No, not at all.
The rumor mill is churning. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, three Saudi clubs have enquired about you. Inter are also interested, as coach Inzaghi is said to be a big fan of yours. There is also speculation about a return to the Bundesliga. Can you help us?
No. We'll find out soon enough.
Your friend Granit Xhaka said that nobody understands that a player like you is on a free transfer. He says: "Watch out, you clubs: watch how he plays. He has to get a long-term contract." What do you say to that?
I've been a regular player and captain at Torino for the last three years. Whether in the national team or at the club, I've always delivered. I don't want to sound conceited, but I know what I can do and what value I have. I only sign for a club if everything fits.
Financially?
Also, but not only. The environment also has to be right, for me and my family.
And if the perfect offer doesn't come along?
Then I could just as well stay at home and look after my little family. That's all I need to be happy. Don't get me wrong: I love football. It's what I love to do and what I do best. But not at any price. The club has to have a plan and the project has to appeal to me.
During the European Championship, you told blue Sport that you could also see yourself playing in Saudi Arabia.
That is still the case.
